Backyard fires in Puslinch
Whether a backyard fire or fire pit is allowed in Puslinch, Ontario, the permit rule, coverage level, and how to check today's fire ban.
Puslinch Township requires a current valid Open Air Burning Permit for any open-air fire, issued at least one day prior, under By-Law 45/14. The annual permit costs $29 plus a 1.75% convenience fee online; fires are limited to 1 metre in width and height, must burn between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., and be at least 15 metres from any building, structure or overhead wire.
Municipal ruleGas versus wood
Gas and propane fire pits are treated separately from open-air wood burning and are the simplest option; placement rules and any active ban still apply.
Today's fire ban
The Township and Puslinch Fire and Rescue Services can issue a ban or temporarily suspend all open-air burning approvals; check puslinch.ca for current fire ban details.
For the provincial layer, check Ontario's fire restrictions and the Forest Fire Information Map, which show Restricted Fire Zones across the fire region.
Two separate rules can stop a backyard fire in Ontario: a municipal fire ban, which any municipality can declare during a dry spell, and a provincial Restricted Fire Zone, declared only in the northern fire region. Either one overrides your normal permission, so check both before you light up.
Backyard fire safety in Puslinch
Where a recreational fire is allowed, these rules keep it legal and safe almost everywhere in Ontario:
- Burn only clean, dry, untreated firewood. Never garbage, leaves, brush, or treated or painted wood.
- Keep the fire small and contained in a pit, ring, or approved appliance, not a loose pile.
- Stay well back from buildings, fences, trees, decks, and the property line.
- Keep water or an extinguisher within reach, and never leave the fire unattended.
- Watch the wind. Skip it on dry, gusty days, and soak the ashes cold before you go inside.
- Never burn during a fire ban or Restricted Fire Zone, even if you usually could.
Puslinch backyard fire questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Puslinch?
Puslinch Township requires a current valid Open Air Burning Permit for any open-air fire, issued at least one day prior, under By-Law 45/14. The annual permit costs $29 plus a 1.75% convenience fee online; fires are limited to 1 metre in width and height, must burn between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., and be at least 15 metres from any building, structure or overhead wire. Source: Puslinch Township, Open Air Burning Permit General Information, last checked 2026-07-02.
Are gas or propane fire pits allowed in Puslinch?
Gas and propane fire pits are treated separately from open-air wood burning and are the simplest option; placement rules and any active ban still apply.
How do I know if there is a fire ban in Puslinch today?
The Township and Puslinch Fire and Rescue Services can issue a ban or temporarily suspend all open-air burning approvals; check puslinch.ca for current fire ban details. For the provincial picture, check Ontario's fire restrictions page and the Forest Fire Information Map, which show Restricted Fire Zones in the fire region.
What can I burn in Puslinch?
Only clean, dry, untreated firewood for a recreational fire. Burning household garbage, leaves, brush, painted or treated wood, and construction debris is prohibited across Ontario, fire ban or not.
When is fire season in Ontario?
Ontario's official fire season runs April 1 to October 31. During it the province manages wildfire and can declare a Restricted Fire Zone in the northern fire region. Municipal open-air burning rules apply all year, so check Puslinch's by-law any time of year.
What happens if I have a fire during a ban in Puslinch?
Municipalities and the province can fine illegal open-air burning, and you can be billed for the cost of fighting any fire you start. If a ban or Restricted Fire Zone is in effect, do not burn, even if you hold a permit.
Source
From Puslinch Township, Open Air Burning Permit General Information, last checked 2026-07-02. The permit is valid for the current calendar year and must be available for viewing at the burn site upon request.
This is a plain-language summary, not the bylaw, and not legal advice. Open-air burning rules and bans change quickly, especially in dry weather. Always check your municipality's page and today's ban status before you light anything.
Other municipalities: Mapleton, Minto, Centre Wellington, Erin. Or see every municipality.